This gentleman established the pioneer grocery house of Freeport in 1856, and since that time has kept steady pace in his business with the growth and enlargement of the city. His transactions extend over a large scope of territory, and he carries an immense and well-selected stock of groceries and provisions. Since commencing this enterprise he has reared a family, and has now associated with him one of his sons, who bids fair to follow in the footsteps of the founder of the house. Diffenbaugh & Son have one of the largest trades in this branch of business in the Northwest. The house is located at Nos. 67 and 69 Stephenson street, the building covering an area of 40 x 120 feet, including storerooms, salesroom and cellar, which are filled to overflowing. The firm employs eight assistants and keeps two delivery wagons to fill the orders received from all parts of the city. The house has been established for over a third of a century, and is the oldest one of its kind in Freeport. Mr. Diffenbaugh was born near the city of Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 1, 1829. His parents, Christian and Anna (Doner) Diffenbaugh, were of German ancestry, and the father followed the business of a distiller and tanner, besides also engaging considerably in farming pursuits. He spent his entire life in Lancaster County, Pa., and his remains were laid to rest not far from his home in that locality, beside those of his honored and estimable wife. The parental household included eight sons and one daughter. One son served as a Union soldier in the late war and died from the effects of wounds received in battle; another was killed at Gettysburg while engaged as an orderly for Farnsworth, and a third was Captain of Co. G, 46th Ill. Vol. Inf. John D., of our sketch, passed his boyhood on the farm in Lancaster County, and received a common-school education. When seventeen years of age he repaired to Philadelphia, where he served three years at the confectioner's trade, and became thoroughly acquainted with all branches of the business. Subsequently he changed his occupation for a time, and for several years was overseer of a cotton-mill in his native city. In the meantime in 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Rachel Kahley, of Lebanon County, Pa., and they began life together in a modest dwelling at Lancaster, where one of their children was born.
Mr. Diffenbaugh in 1855, disposed of his interests in Lanaster, and accompanied by his family started for the West. He at once located at Freeport, and soon afterward embarked in the confectionery business in a small way having but a limited capital. By diligence and close application to business he soon found himself gaining ground, and in due time became the leading confectioner in the city, and conducted this business successfully for a period of twenty years. Desirous then of enlarging his operations, and possessing the wherewithal to bring about this result, he invested his surplus capital in an ample stock of groceries, and established the business which he has continuously conducted with so much credit and success. The present quarters of the firm consist of a two-story double brick building, literally packed with the choicest goods in this line of trade. Their annual sales of late years have approached $75,000, and the current year (1887) they anticipate they will reach $100,000. Mr. Diffenbaugh is a hard worker and may be found at his post early and late. This continuous oversight of his affairs has been largely the secret of his success, and he made it a point when starting out in life to always live within his income.
Mr. and Mrs. Diffenbaugh became the parents of four children, namely: Walter H., the partner of his father; Ida, Cora and Lilly. Politically, Mr. Diffenbaugh is a straight Republican, and with his estimable wife belongs to the Second Methodist Episcopal Church, to the support of which he has been a cheerful and liberal contributor since first becoming connected with it. He has officiated as Superintendent of the Sunday-school twelve years, and nothing pleases him better than to note the moral and educational advancement of the young.
The family residence is located on Cherry and Galena streets, and from its substantial character and the air of comfort which prevades it, is highly indicative of the character and taste of its proprietor. He is a man prompt to meet his obligations, and a citizen whose word is deemed as good as his bond.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, George Diffenbaugh by name, was of German birth and ancestry, and an extensive farmer. He emigrated to the United States when a young man, and located in Lancaster County, Pa., during its early settlement, where he acquired a large property and was widely and favorable known. The maternal grandfather, John Doner, also of German descent, was for many years a resident of Lancaster County, Pa., where his family was equally well known, and possessed in a marked degree the substantial characteristics of that nationality.
Contributed by Karen Hammer
Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Illinois Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1888 p. 453-54
